By KELSEY HOLM, Courier Staff Writer

WATERLOO - Man's best friend may be more human than we think.

If Fido is uninterested in his favorite toy and doesn't make a move when his dinner hits the dish, he may have a case of the blues.

For some pets, depression can be a real problem.

Signs your pet is down in the dumps will first pop up about a week after a traumatic event in the animal's life --- such as the loss of an owner or animal companion, says Dr. Chad Smith of Taylor Veterinary Hospital.

"They'll lie around a lot, and the most common thing is they'll really lose that interest in their environment," says Smith. "They won't get up to greet their owner, they won't want to play with their ball ... they tend to sleep more, or they just lie there and whine. They'll definitely have a reduction in appetite and also in water consumption."

However, just because your pet is showing these signs doesn't mean it is depressed. If there has been no traumatic event to trigger the symptoms, there may be a medical condition to blame. Smith says it's important to know your pet and his normal activities in order to gauge his mood. After a visit to the veterinarian, a pet may be put on antidepressants, and owners are encouraged to stimulate pets in their normal play.

Dogs may be more prone to chronic depression than other pets, says Smith, but any type of animal --- even nontraditional companions --- can display signs.

"Matilda, our pot belly pig, really came alive after adopting two other pigs for her to cohabitate with," says Diann Helmers of Agape Fosters. "They loved to snuggle in the straw together, and they interact, argue and talk to each other in their own language."

Lisa Lane has never owned just one pet. Currently, dogs Winston and Gracie and cats Sophie and Chloe pair up like old friends. When Winston goes to the groomer, Gracie mopes around the house. And when Gracie is away, Winston spends the day looking for her.

"If (Winston) has to go out he'll stand there and wait (for Gracie) --- very devoted," says Lane. "They are very much like a married couple."

If something ever happened to one of the dogs, Lane would worry about the canine partner left behind. She has seen her pets go through depression after a loss. After the death of her last feline friend a little more than a year ago, Sophie howled and cried. Then Chloe came along. Now the pair spend their days perched next to each other --- Sophie, large and Chloe, dainty --- and their nights curled side by side.

Helmers warns that adding a pet to the family isn't always a wise solution. It may be detrimental to older dogs not used to a new, possibly younger animal sharing their space. Pets that are boarded or tied to a kennel with little interaction, and those suddenly sent into high confinement at the shelter run the risk of suffering depression as well, says Helmers.

In the end, it is love and attention --- from humans and animals alike --- that keep pets happy and healthy.

"I believe like humans, all species of animals like one of their own --- or close to it --- to hang with," says Helmers. "There are a minority of dogs I've met that are better off in a one-pet home."

Kelsey Holm can be contacted at (319) 291-1464 or kelsey.holm@wcfcourier.com.

NEED TO KNOW

In her book, "Dr. Cookie's Guide to Living Happily Ever After With Your Cat," Dr. Stefanie Schwartz, a veterinary behaviorist, argues that cats are social --- not solitary --- animals, and that adding another cat or pet to the home may cure a cat's depression.

Schwartz cites a study by Harris Interactive in which seven of 10 vets agree that cats living in a household with a feline companion lead healthier, happier lives. In addition, studies by the National Council on Pet Population find that animals left alone in the house have brains that weigh up to 25 percent less and are more likely to exhibit behavior problems.

In her book, Schwartz offers five signs your cat is suffering from loneliness: overgrooming, spraying/squatting, excessive vocalization and destructive and aggressive behavior.

Schwartz points out that authorities in Switzerland may be ahead of the curve. Swiss officials have have passed an anti-cruelty law requiring people to buy or adopt multiple cats since it is the nature of an animal to have company of its own kind.

 More Stories from Features » Lifestyles

Daughter finds mom after 31 years
Forlorn felines, depressed dogs
Christian Howes --- Live!
On the side
Boring walls? Stick it to 'em
Dome concert setup is organized chaos
Something wicked this way comes ... enter the Ghostwriters' Contest!

Place Classified Ad
In print and online, 24/7